Weather Outlets
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How the System Works
The City of Dublin operates 29 outdoor warning sirens within the City of Dublin and Washington Township. These sirens complement the Franklin County Outdoor Siren Warning System, which is one of the largest systems in Ohio and the United States.
When the Communications Center, located within the Dublin Justice Center, receives notification of a pending Tornado Warning, the sirens in the City of Dublin and Washington Township are activated by radio control. Once activated, the system will sound a wail for three minutes.
There may be times when the Dublin Emergency Warning System is activated and the Franklin County Outdoor Siren Warning System is not. This occurs when a tornado warning, or a tornado sighting occurs in Madison, Delaware or Union Counties and is in close proximity to the City of Dublin. Also, there may be times when the Franklin County Outdoor Siren Warning System is activated and the Dublin system is not. This occurs when a tornado warning, or a tornado sighting occurs in another portion of Franklin County and is moving away from the City of Dublin.
When the Siren Sounds
The Dublin Emergency Warning System is sounded whenever a tornado is sighted or the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for the Dublin area, including parts of Franklin, Madison, Union or Delaware County.
Once the Tornado Warning has been issued, the sirens will activate for three minutes followed by silence for seven minutes. This activation cycle will continue until the weather warning is cancelled.
Safe Places You Can Go
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), basements and interior rooms are the safest places to be during a tornado.
- A good rule of thumb is to put as many walls and floors as possible between you and the tornado. Once you find a safe place, take shelter underneath a sturdy bench, table or in a stairwell. Crouch down and place your head between your knees, using your arms to cover your head.
- The least safest place to be is in a car. If you are in a car, abandon it immediately and find a ditch to lie in. Most tornado deaths occur in cars. Never try to out run a tornado; it may be moving faster than you think!
- If you do find yourself in a tornado’s path, go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bath room or closet. If possible, cover yourself with a blanket or mattress to protect yourself from flying debris.
- Remember to stay away from exterior walls or glass-enclosed places and windows.
Weekly Testing
The outdoor warning sirens are tested every Wednesday at noon, weather permitting. The sirens are not tested during potential bad weather to avoid confusion. During this test, the sirens are activated for 30 seconds followed by the following voice message:
“This is a test of the Dublin Emergency Warning System. This is a test only”
Tornado Tips
If you hear the Emergency Warning sirens, be prepared to take immediate emergency action.
Go to a designated place of safety. The innermost section on the lowest possible floor is ideal
Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, elevators, glass doorways and windows.
Don’t stop to close windows.
Do not take cover in your car.
Take cover under something sturdy, if possible.
Do not stay in a mobile home. Go to a nearby shelter or lay flat in the closest ditch or ravine.
Make yourself as small as possible and remember to protect your head.
Remember
The outdoor warning sirens are intended to be heard outdoors only. When it looks like bad weather is approaching, monitor your local radio or television for current weather information.
It is also a good idea to get a backup battery powered, weather radio.
Important Siren Facts
Tornado Warning – Issued when a tornado has been sighted or is eminent. Seek safety and move to a safe place immediately.
Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for a tornado. Listen to your local radio or television station for further details. Be prepared to move to a safe place.
Test – The sirens are tested every Wednesday at noon, weather permitting.
To report an inoperative siren, call 614.889.1112, 24 hours a day.
